Tormented Rescue (Ninjago Fanfiction)

Part 9

(May the fourth be with you 🫶🤭)

"Ok, so then what's the plan?" Jay asked from across the table.

"I... I-- I don't know, I don't..." Kai trailed off. Since the call, he'd gone back to silent mode. He felt sick at the thought of going down there, but the others were forcing him to eat because he hadn't eaten for a day. The others shared worried glances.

"Do you want us to come with you? Or would you rather just Lloyd or Nya? Or alone, but..." Cole suggested but Nya shook her head.

"I want to come with you Kai. I mean, it's up to you, but... y'know why," Nya tried to catch Kai's eyes but he looked firmly down at his plate of food that he hadn't touched.

Kai did know why, yes. Kai and Nya were never fond of the police after the way they treated their parents' disappearance, and Kai could tell that Nya wanted to make sure they handled this better than that.

Kai nodded slowly. He didn't necessarily want Nya there, but he knew he couldn't hide from her anyway.

"Great, I'm coming then," Nya said affirmably, happy that Kai had finally accepted some help from her.

"What about Lloyd, Kai?" Zane prompted.

"Oh, guys, don't--"

"Well, it's a fair assumption that Kai would want you there! You guys have been inseparable the past month so..." Jay defended Zane, interrupting Lloyd.

I don't want anyone there. I don't want to be there. I don't want to go. I don't want to think about it. I want to sleep. I want to play games with the guys. I want to pretend that--

"Kai! What are you doing!? Stop it, you're making your arm bleed again!" Nya dropped her fork and grabbed Kai's hand that he had been digging into his wrist out of frustration. He hadn't even noticed.

"Is everything ok, Kai...?" Wu asked cautiously.

Kai stared at the blood slowly soaking the bandages, forgetting everything else.

"I'm gonna... gonna go change... the bandage..." Kai said vacantly, getting up from the table without a thought.

"Kai--" Nya tried but he was already gone.

"He didn't even touch his plate..." Cole said worriedly looking at Kai's uneaten meal.

Lloyd continued to stare at the doorway. He was afraid for Kai. The last time he saw him turn a corner and disappear, he ended up being kidnapped.

If only I had called after Kai... It's all my fault...

Lloyd stood up and placed his plate in the sink.

"Are you going after him?" Nya asked as he walked past the table.

"Yeah, I-- I'll text you how he is if I stay..." Lloyd's voice trailed off as he started walking down the hall to Kai's room.

The door was open a little bit, obviously a failed attempt at closing the door without thought. Lloyd peered in and saw Kai knelt against his bed. He knocked lightly on the door frame.

"Kai?" Lloyd asked as he slid open the door, but Kai didn't even shift in response. Lloyd grew more worried. He walked in and went to Kai's side, kneeling down.

He reached for his arm and moved it, but it was limp and it fell to Kai's side. Lloyd panicked for a split second, the fear in him almost screaming 'NO!' but Kai hiccoughed in his sleep.

Lloyd noticed his tears. I guess Kai's silence had been him holding this in. Lloyd sighed and stood up with his arm under Kai's arms, supporting him, and laying him down on his unmade bed. He sat down on the edge next to Kai, he tucked Kai's hair behind his ear and wiped his tears. He placed his hand on Kai's and closed his eyes.

"What are we going to do about you, Kai...?" Lloyd whispered under his breath in a broken voice. He opened his eyes and kissed Kai's cheek. "Why did it have to be you..." Lloyd shook his head, leaning his forehead against Kai's, trying not to cry. "I'm so sorry Kai... I... I should've gone after you..." Lloyd let a sob slip and he covered his mouth, sitting up straight.

He took a deep breath and got up. He closed the curtains and went to the door. He turned back.

"I'll let the police know you can't do it today..." He spoke to no one in particular. "Please... let us help you, Kai..." Tears welled in his eyes again.

He started closing the door but whispered under his breath.

"I love you..." He paused. He hadn't said that yet. He couldn't remember the last time he'd said that to anyone actually.

"I love you too..." Kai opened his eyes a glint and gave Lloyd the smallest, sincere smile. Lloyd smiled back.